LONG LAKE #58 FIRST NATION DECLARE STATE OF EMERGENCY AFTER 22 COVID-19 POSITIVE CASES CONFIRMED IN THE COMMUNITY
MEDIA RELEASE
Friday, May 28, 2021 | FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
LONG LAKE #58 FIRST NATION DECLARE STATE OF EMERGENCY AFTER 22 COVID-19 POSITIVE CASES CONFIRMED IN THE COMMUNITY
Long Lake #58 First Nation – Long Lake #58 First Nation (LLFN) Council have declared a State of Emergency (SOE) in response to 22 COVID-19 positive cases confirmed today in the community. “We are deeply concerned to learn that 22 COVID-19 cases exist in our small community of 535 people—we don’t have the resources to handle the situation on our own and are needing outside government assistance to address the outbreak,” said Chief Judy Desmoulin.
On Thursday, May 27, 2021, the community initiated a community-wide lock-down protocol requiring all members to shelter in place and shut down the Long Lake #58 General Store which will remain closed until further notice. Contact tracing was initiated and continues to be ongoing. The community is hoping that the current uptake of COVID-19 vaccinations will play a constructive role in those who have tested positive. The community remains concerned as the 12 to 17 year old age group have not been vaccinated.
Although the community has had positive COVID-19 cases in the past year, this is the first time the community has had to declare a SOE during the COVID-19 pandemic. LLFN Council say that the biggest challenge is find people in the community who are vaccinated to help service those who are in isolation.
LLFN reminds its members that, “if you are vaccinated you can still be a carrier and infect others – so everyone please wear a mask, wash hands often, keep that safe distance, and stay home as much as possible going out for only essential items.”
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For more information, please contact: Carol Audet, Matawa Communications Manager at: caudet@matawa.on.ca or 1-807-632-9663.